Too good not to share!
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At the ski resort. Photo by Yuri Somov, 1982.
HT - @sovietvisuals
Glenshee planning permission approved to replace Cairnwell T with a chairlift.
*likes*
I think it depends on what type of touring and what your partners are using. If you're the only one on AT gear it's going to be a long day when they scamper off ahead of you on tech bindings. But if it's mostly slack country then less of an issue. Personally I'd go tech bindings and then choose the boot to match expectations. The walk mode on tech is still way better than any frame binding I've tried. I notice flexy ski boots way more both uphill (good) and down (bad)I've got dynafit with Maestrale boots and marker's with Freedom SL. I didn't mix and match last year but this year will try the freedom with the dynafits.
Mix of split boards and tech bindings.
Grabbed a pair of these today:
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Both my resort skis have WTR bindings and these should be stiff enough to ride in bounds if needed. Next decision is on bindings and if I want to get my Slant Ambushs remounted or to spend the cash on a dedicated touring ski.
Met Jenny Jones today at ski bartlett whilst getting my new bindings fitted. Nice lass. Posed for a picture so I could show it to the wife as I told her my wife's the snowboarder of the family and huge fan.
Anyways, more Importantly, after 13 years it was time to give up on my garmont 75mm tellie boots and join the ntn crowd. Settled in Scott boots and ntn freestyle bindings.
Went straight to Hemel to try them out. Mixed reaction to be honest. Everything felt stiff. Legs, boots and bindings. Felt like a newbie all over again but I love the step in bindings and ski breaks, so no more bloody safety straps.
I know 13 years for a tellie boot will make them softer than cling film but I'm hoping the Scott's (softest shell available) will loosen up.
Well the backcountry set up is coming together, got a storming deal on a set of 2017 Salomon Mtn labs today. Just need to find some bindings. Thinking Ion 12's or similar.
Met Jenny Jones today at ski bartlett whilst getting my new bindings fitted
She is lovely isn't she? and very funny! A great ambassador for UK Winter 'Sports*'.
*I say 'sports' in the loosest sense ... but then I generally think of skiing & snowboarding as a hobby or activity - or my obsession according to the missus! 🙂
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getting whiter here in Åre. Bike park shut now , couple of months until the lift start turning again.
Anyone have a splitboard for sale, 159-163 ish?
Finally able to contribute properly to a S&SB thread as I'm heading out to L2A for a week on the 3rd Feb. Having been a seasonaire and 2/3 weeks a season punter during my twenties I realised I hadn't been on proper snow since before my eldest was born (8 yrs ago) and now I cannot wait.
Any recommendations for runs / guides much appreciated 🙂
Been to SHs’ ski fest night at Hemel. Bit too busy early on to get a decent run in, much better later on. Never been on a fattish ski, but loved the White Dot Preachers.
Jnr on the OH, predictably, loved the most expensive skis on test. The very pretty, custom made PFDs.
I've been fairly lucky in that most of skis I've demoed I've not liked as much as the ones I have. The only ones I really liked a lot were DPS Wailer 112, but then I would, as they're very very similar in profile to my Slants. I think that I've gained most of ski experience on fairly heavy, stiff 'charging' skis, anything that either isnt that or a total park style noodle just feels very wrong.
We have little need for fatter skis unfortunately. My job means I’m stuck to going away on school holidays. At Christmas OP is virtually non existent and not much better at Easter. We don’t often go away at half term when conditions should be the most ideal. Although we’re probably going to be driving out more often in the van. So can take as many pairs of skis as I like!
The above being said, Hemel is hardly the ideal testing ground for them yet they still felt great.
Step on bindings are here!
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can you actually buy them now?
I love the idea but burton boots just don't fit me that well.
Won't be long until other boot manufacturers pick it up if it takes off so will have to wait
Yes available now, although sold out until November! Patented so I guess it will take a while before others filter through. I'll be getting them next season when my boots wear out and a year of reviews are in.
It should still be worth them licensing the design for boots as it will only increase the numbers with the bindings over time.
Step on bindings are here!
I can't help wondering whether they are a solution to a problem that doesn't exist ...
But I guess the winter-sports industry needs to keep 're-inventing' itself.
howsyourdad1 - Member
Step on bindings are here!
Doesn’t that statement come round about once every 5 years or so?
I can't help wondering whether they are a solution to a problem that doesn't exist ...
The problem of sitting on your arse at the top of a slope in the freezing cold, trying to get that little strap into the doodad - I could go for an easy solution to that if I spent more than a week every two years on the slopes.
I used to love the convenience of Flow bindings, but they always seem loose compared to "normal" bindings.
I had some of the original Burton step ins, they weighed a ton and the hinge bits froze up.
My name is igm and I’m a Flow user. It’s been 9 months since I last strapped in.
Fit me very well - I can’t get comfortable in traditional clicky strap bindings. So no need for step ins here.
But I have odd shaped feet.
The newer Flow bindings are good, work as normal bindings too.
RE Flow, no they don't, they are less shit than they were, but they are still shit. Excuse my French.
The step on bindings basically mean more laps ,as far as I'm concerned. straight off the chairlifts, one footed, then clip/ stomp in and go. provided of course you don't have to wait for your mate who hasn't got them. more laps equals more snowboarding equals win.
the not sitting down isn't really a problem as I always do it standing anyhow but I can see it being another benefit
The problem of sitting on your arse at the top of a slope in the freezing cold
You've still got one foot still strapped in right? from when you got off the lift?
- Make a small 'ledge' in the snow with the board by using your leading foot that is still strapped into the board thus avoiding the need to get your bum cold sitting on the snow.
- Flick any snow out of rear binding with hand-in-glove.
- Pop your trailing foot into the rear binding
- ratchet up the toe and ankle strap and off you go!
It's rare that you actually need to sit down. By staying standing you save time and avoid getting a clump of snow stuck on your butt cheeks.
#MaximumSteez
p.s. Flow Bindings = Slippers ... comfortable but lacking in performance and can be a pain etc when full of powder ... but if they work for you then that's peachy!
Wot Digby sez iz true, but compare:
You've still got one foot still strapped in right? from when you got off the lift?
- slide/scoot your way to beyond the flat if there is a flat area, find a spot where you're out of the way, that's got snow soft enough to make a small 'ledge' in.
- Stop
- Make a small 'ledge' in the snow with the board by using your leading foot that is still strapped into the board thus avoiding the need to get your bum cold sitting on the snow.- Flick any snow out of rear binding with hand-in-glove.
- Pop your trailing foot into the rear binding
[optional if you can't get a 'ledge' dug small enough
- fall on your arse anyway after all that and push up onto your bard again]- ratchet up the toe and ankle strap and off you go!
You've still got one foot still strapped in right? from when you got off the lift?
- slide/scoot your way to beyond the flat if there is a flat area,[s] find a spot where you're out of the way, that's got snow soft enough to make a small 'ledge' in.
- Stop
- Make a small 'ledge' in the snow with the board by using your leading foot that is still strapped into the board thus avoiding the need to get your bum cold sitting on the snow.- Flick any snow out of rear binding with hand-in-glove.
- Pop your trailing foot into the rear binding
- ratchet up the toe and ankle strap and [/s] stomp your back foot in without losing a jot of speed off you go!
I've got strap bindings, but I can see the appeal of step-ins if the feel is good. But I don't like burton boots, and there's plenty of life in my Mission bindings. Can't say the same about my sparks, but I'm even considering (whisper it!) [i]hard boots[/i] for touring.
It's very possible to strap in your back foot on the move, but you need the right slope to do it on.
I saw these step-in bindings a year ago. A decent idea, provided you don't get ANY snow between the sole of your boot and the bindings. Because then they won't click into place (if they do the connection between boot + binding must be very vague)
So on that basis it's an instant no for me. Particularly as I like to ride off piste as much as possible.
Can't say the same about my sparks,
What's been the biggest wear & tear on your Sparks nedrapier?
I'm still on my original Spark Bindings from 2011 - although they are a bit 'Triggers Broom' as the Straps and Highbacks etc have all been replaced. 6 years of pretty heavy use is ok though I reckon!
I'm considering a pair of Spark R&D Surge bindings as a move away from the old pin system.
Hardboots eh? I'd be interested to know how that goes! ... Will it only be a matter of time before you decide not to clip the two halves of the Splitboard back togther and buy some touring skis? 😉
I saw these step-in bindings a year ago. A decent idea, provided you don't get ANY snow between the sole of your boot and the bindings. Because then they won't click into place (if they do the connection between boot + binding must be very vague)So on that basis it's an instant no for me. Particularly as I like to ride off piste as much as possible.
Well if we are willy waving I saw them 18 months ago, preliminary reviews were out then 😆 Snow build up is no more of a problem then regular bindings, I.e you can ride with it but it's best to remove it. I also like riding off piste as much as possible. I imagine most people who snowboard do.
Step on bindings are here!
I saw people using them last season....
p.s. Flow Bindings = Slippers ... comfortable but lacking in performance and can be a pain etc when full of powder ... but if they work for you then that's peachy!
That's the older Flows, new ones can be used exactly like traditional bindings or step ins, so they're fine in powder.
Most of the snowboarders I ski with take about as long to do their binding straps up as it takes me to put on my ski poles... ie not very long at all. None of them sit down and half the time they don't even stop.
🙁
Chris Prior died on Sunday. Met him in Fernie on a demo tour and bought one of his demo PowSticks. It's a beast. I'll have to take it away with me this year and get some turns in for him. Big ones.
http://www.mountainlifemedia.ca/2017/10/chris-prior/
Chris Prior died on Sunday. Met him in Fernie on a demo tour
Aye ... sad news indeed 🙁
Yeah, sad news. A well liked guy in Whistler. The quote from him at the end of the article above rings very true. RIP.
Week in Schladders booked for half term. Just need to work out how we'll get there, I want to drive, the OH isn't so keen.
Galibier is closed. Too much snow! 😀
Leogang tomorrow on the DH bikes, then Kitsteinhorn on the boards the day after. Last year they started the season passes earlier so October half term lets you have the best of both worlds.
Loveland opened yesterday, I had my first day this season today. Not too bad for October.
Found this while looking for something else. Had to share!
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Found this while looking for something else. Had to share!
Thanks CFH!
Craig Kelly #LetItRide 🙂
If the word "Steeze" hadn't been invented, surely that was the point where it was invented!
So stylish!
IMPORTANT - BA CHANGES RULES ON SKI CARRIAGE
You can take your skis or snowboard as checked baggage, provided they are packed correctly and within your baggage allowance:
Only use a recognised ski or snowboard bag for your skis or snowboard – this can be up to 190cm in length
Pack your ski poles with your skis in the same bag – this will count as one item of baggage
Your ski or snowboard boots must be packed separately from your skis or snowboard – this will count as a separate item of baggage.
If you’re travelling with your skis/snowboard in a bag and your ski/snowboard boot-bag as well as your free checked baggage allowance, you will be charged for two extra bags.
If you're travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare you will need to pay extra to take any additional bags, including those with your skis, snowboard or boots.
For safety reasons you are not allowed to board the aircraft wearing your ski or snowboard boots
BA have always said, as far as i remember anyway, that boots can't go into ski bag but I've never been checked. I usually travel ski bag (boots inside) with 23kg allowance and carry on rucksack. Worst case scenario, I empty the carry on rucksack into the ski bag and boots in my ruck sack instead.
Flights booked (T5) to geneva for a weekend at the start of Jan, then another BA from gatwick for the family trip at the end of Jan to Ardent.
This is the old wording. Snap shot from 13th June 2017
You can take ski and snowboarding equipment of up to 190cm (75in) in length in your checked baggage, provided it is packed correctly:
Only use a recognised ski or snowboard bag for your equipment.
Pack your ski poles with your skis.
Pack your boots separately from your skis or snowboard.
If you're travelling on a hand baggage only (Basic) fare or if your checked baggage allowance includes one bag only, you will need to pay extra to take your ski equipment.
Looking to get away March feb, for long weekend.
Been ski Eastern Europe of late Slovenia and Bulgaria done.
Looking at Slovaki; jasna.
Any one ski’d here?
Thanks
Sean Pettit
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goes snowboarding
Ok advice time.
Once upon a time I skied a little. But that was 30 years ago and mainly cross country.
Been ont’ board the last decade or so, but our boys are on skis, and while it doesn’t matter with the elder one, the younger one (he’s only 6) could do with someone skiing with him, so my wife has started skiing again (in addition to boarding).
So.
I’m tempted.
But my bad knees (torsion and lateral issues) put me off.
But modem skis look a bit easier on the knees than 30 year old 210cm types.
But I can’t go back to snowplough- that would stop me walking instantly.
So parallel or nothing.
The local snow dome also has a rolling dry slope with 1-2-1 tuition at £30 per 45min.
Does that sound like a sensible plan?
Any other thoughts / advice?
Say "Bonjour!" to your new equipment, igm!
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It will solve 1/5th of your problem!
No. Just no.
😆
Rolling slopes are good, but time in a fridge might be better.
Good boots, and modern skis, will make things a lot easier on the knees.
Might try rolling first as it’s a cheap way to do 1-2-1 and then head for the fridge.
Both in the same building at Xscape, 5 minutes from my work.
It begins...
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Anyone else checking webcams already?
Yes! Need to stop - now!
Don't look at Courchevel then, showing in the village earlier, no of course I wasn't looking, not even going there this year
Anyone else checking webcams already?
*smug alert* no I look out my window 8)
Anyone else checking webcams already?
Yeap! Hoping to go to St Anon in Jan so I've been watching theirs. They've finally had a bit of snow there, though it is still very early.
YASS! Had the tentative amber light for a pre-christmas week somewhere. Now all we need is the weather to be NOTHING LIKE THE LAST THREE YEARS 😆
I have! Looking at maybe the Zillertal valley for the first weekend of December and so the regular Hintertux dumpings have been pleasing. Looks like more down to lower levels in the next week or so too
Where’s good for a week around Christmas?
Tentatively thinking of going. Is snow total pot luck or are some places better than others?
Go high. Zermatt or Tignes have glaciers.
If you're looking at PDS then Avoriaz is a better bet than Les Gets...
Somewhere like Megève would be risky (and expensive, but that's another question...)
We were hiking last Christmas in Villars, there was almost no snow at the summit (Bretaye 1800m). Verbier down the road was doing OK, but part of that was also down to north facing slopes and being further into the Alps proper..
Height gets you cold agreed, but are there any areas that tend to get early season precipitation with it?
Bits of France frequently seem to get cold by Christmas but not get snowfall until January.
Point taken about glaciers though.
Anyone else checking webcams already?
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Sweajnr (3.5) has also got his first pair of proper skis and is so excited he insisted on wearing them in the basement for an hour on Sunday....
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And yes I know no poles for his age but we had them for snowshoeing last year.
Sweajnr has the stance of a person who has been on skis for more years than his age would allow! Cool.
Have we done [url= http://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/ski/articles/new-envy-ski-frame-snowboard-boots-sore-feet/ ]this [/url]yet?
S[s]wea[/s]teezejnr
FTFY
Have we done this yet?
It might just be me and the lack of detail but no mention of release etc? So like a snowboard you're strapped to the skis?
Looks to me like a plate on the bottom of the frame replaces the boot in the binding.
Higher off the ski, shirley?
My boots are more than comfy enough that I can't see the need for this. Maybe good for a small slice of the market, namely those who are a bit better than beginner, only stay on piste and don't want to (for whatever reason!) buy their own boots.
Agreed. My boots are fine! I could do with some new liners though. Stinky!
As their target market, snowboarder thinking of trying to get to piste cruising level on skis who likes a bit of comfort in his life...
Nope. I’m with CFH and Wallop.
Not convinced that what is comfortable on a board for a day would be comfortable on a ski for a day anyway.
So if you undo the boot frame and step out with the snowboard boots on, to the bar for a couple of jagerbombs, your skis are going to slide off down the mountain... I'm out.
igm - I'd look for an area with good snow making. Hopefully there'll be good natural snow, but if not it makes sense to go somewhere with good snow making. The last three Christmases have been poor but we've been able to ski a fair amount on man made even staying relatively low down (Saalbach and Wagrain).
How will all the Tarquin and Jemima skiers of the world draw attention to themselves whilst they dance on tables and make the 'thump thump thump' noise with their hard boots? No Deal.
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apologies skiers if you and or your partner are in the picture. It was Meribel, natch. 🙂
Still , stairs would be easier
Sooo,
I'm off to Val d'isere at the start of March with a couple of good mates. They're both quite good skiers, whilst I'm still kinda snow ploughing my turns on the top section of the local Snow Zone slope. I went with them to Stubai (Austria), back in March and managed the blue slopes, maybe not elegantly, but I managed them.
Confidence is the big problem, I knackered myself quite impressively on my snowboard two winters ago and am having a real problem relaxing into these new fangled ski things.
Anyway, we're actually going to be based in La Daille, just down the road from Val d'isere and looking at the piste map for the area there appears to be a funicular going up from the village to a large bowl of green runs. Anyone been up there? I'm not looking for thrills and spills, just a gentle bimble up and down with the odd beer stop to people watch. Does anyone know if this area will fit the bill, maybe even help me build enough confidence to attempt other stuff on the hill, later in the holiday. I can also see that there's a green run back down to the village, but I've heard that the lower green runs can be a bit beginner unfriendly in this area! 😯
Am I doomed?
igm, the rolling slope is all about the snowplough. It usually takes decent skiers a few sessions to progress to parallel turns and for that to happen the speed needs to be higher so you can't share the slope with anyone who is slow / snowploughing. I found it very unforgiving on parallel so no room for sloppiness which I thought was a good thing.
The most useful feature for me was the mirror. I had a tendency to watch the tips of my skis but you practice looking at yourself with no bumps or traffic.
Thanks all, for feedback on both questions I asked.
BeagleBoy, we spent quite a bit of time exactly where you are proposing last year and it will be just what you want. Also consider the greens and blues above Val D'Isere itself - you can get a free bus up to Val and take the lifts from there. Or even take the funicular up and the cable car down to Val.
The green (and all the other colours) runs down to La Daille can be crowded/icy/slushy/closed. If so, just take the funicular down and don't sweat it.
I'm not looking for thrills and spills, just a gentle bimble up and down with the odd beer stop to people watch
Your biggest problem will be that at the bottom of that bowl of green runs is La Folie Douce. Good luck having the willpower to leave there when it's in full swing.. 😆
Beagleboy, grab a couple of mornings of one to one lessons, you'll be more confident and capable in no time.
Anyone off to the Ski and Snowboard Show? We've not bothered this year, still working our way through the 8 bottles of French's Mustard we ended up with.
Anyone got any idea what the snow's like in Milton Keynes? Off there at the weekend for my first ever lesson on a snowboard......wish me luck